Goddess Ekadashi said she had taken a vow that one who could defeat her in the war would marry her. Demon Mura agreed and Goddess Ekadshi defeated the demon and killed him. Meanwhile, when Lord Vishnu wake up, he saw the dead body of the demon and the beautiful lady. Lord Vishnu was pleased by the victorious work done by the Goddess Ekadashi and asked her for the boon.

Goddess Ekadashi asked for the boon that devotees who keep fast on this day would be close to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that he or she who keep fast on this day would not only get rid of the sins, but also blessed with the long life, good health and wealth.

How to keep fast on Utpanna Ekadashi

Utpanna Ekadasi in 2014, falls on 18th November. If you are also going to observe the fast on this day, You have to follow certain rituals such as you have to take a bath early in the morning and then worship Lord Vishnu, read the legend behind the Utpanna Ekadashi Fast during an auspicious time between 12:06 PM to 1:25PM with full devotion and then take prasadam and charanamrit after completing your prayers. During this fast you have to just take fruits, milk, milk products, some vegetables, and fruits on this day.

This means you have to abstain yourself from taking any cereals, especially rice and any kind of non veg. One more thing you have to remember that you don’t indulge in gambling, playing cards, taking intoxicants, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes or sex. Break your fast on the next day means before sunrise. If due to some reasons, one is not able to break the fast before sunrise, then you should break it in an afternoon during 10:47AM - 12:06 AM. It is necessary to break your fast on the next day, otherwise it will be considered as an offense. It is believed that If you follow all the above rituals dedicatedly then you will definitely earn Lord Vishnu’s blessings.